NFL: Emmanuel Sanders in the running to be Steelers No. 1 returner?

The Pittsburgh Steelers kick off mini-camp this weekend in what is a very important time for first year players.

An emphasis for the Steelers this off-season has been bolstering their special teams unit.

While a number of players have been brought in to shore up the Steelers coverage teams, a sleeper in the return game is wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, the Steelers third round pick.

Sanders who flashes 4.41 forty speed and claims he has ran a 4.36 forty, will be given an opportunity as a kick and punt returner, according to the coaching staff.

Sanders was extremely productive for June Jones at SMU last season. Jones runs the high-powered run-and-shoot offensive, and Sanders primarily was a slot receiver. He had 98 catches for 1,339 yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned 20 punts for 275 yards (13.7 average) and one score. Sanders tallied 235 career receptions for 3,791 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Sanders could push No. 1 return man Stefan Logan out of a roster spot with a strong training camp as the Steelers may look to keep 6 wide receivers on their roster, assuming Limas Sweed finds a way to earn a roster spot.

There is still some slight hope inside the organization that Sweed will make great strides in year 3.

At the wide receiver position, Mike Wallace, Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El and Arnaz Battle are locks to the make the team. Sanders can also be considered a lock.

Battle was brought in because of his special teams abilities but the Steelers did not give him a signing bonus in $975,000 range with the intention of cutting him.